Nutrition for Good. Since 1988.
Food Outreach began when a small group of caring individuals started cooking meals for their loved ones living with HIV and dying from AIDS. Today, we're the only non-profit organization in our region providing medically tailored meals and nutrition support to people facing HIV or cancer.
Born from friendship, built on community
In 1988, at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, a small group of caring individuals in St. Louis began cooking meals for their loved ones diagnosed with HIV and dying from AIDS. What started as a kitchen-table act of compassion grew to the kitchen in the basement of United Avenue Christian Church. Meals were cooked and packed, hauled up to the third-floor offices and stored in freezers.
Today, we're the only non-profit organization in our region providing medically tailored meals and nutrition support to individuals facing HIV or cancer — reaching clients across 144 zip codes in Missouri and Illinois, with zero waitlists and no one ever turned away.
1988
Founded in St. Louis, MO
600K+
Meals served each year
2,000+
Clients supported each year
Mission, Vision & Values
The principles that have guided Food Outreach for more than 35 years.
Our Mission
Nutrition, dignity, and hope
Food Outreach supports individuals living with chronic illness to improve their health and quality of life through medically tailored meals, nutritional guidance, and compassionate care.
Our Vision
Nutrition for Good
We aim to build a community that ensures every person has the nutritional support needed to thrive.
Our Values
Nutrition for Good
Community
Inclusion
Respect
Education
Innovation
35+ years of showing up
1988
Founded on friendship and need
A small group of caring individuals in St. Louis began cooking meals for their loved ones diagnosed with HIV and dying from AIDS.
1996
First expansion
Client numbers grow to hundreds. Food Outreach opens a satellite grocery center and, the following year, hires its first full-time registered dietitian.
2002
Home delivery begins
A meal home delivery service launches to reach clients who are homebound.
2006
Expanded to serve patients with cancer
Following a successful pilot with area cancer centers, eligibility broadens beyond HIV/AIDS to include people undergoing cancer treatment.
2020
Pandemic pivot
Food Outreach shifts to curbside and home delivery through COVID-19, growing meal delivery from 40 to more than 350 clients and earning Innovative Nonprofit of the Year.
2024
Research partnership
A Washington University research grant funds a formal evaluation of the clinical impact of our medically tailored meal program.
Meet Our Team
The people leading Food Outreach's mission every day.
Julie Lock
Executive Director
Taylor Aarns, MS, RD, LD, CSO
Registered Dietitian
Andrew Amesbury
Home Delivery Associates
Rusoun Belue
Intake and Data Coordinator
Every gift and every hour writes the next chapter
For more than 35 years, our community has shown up for neighbors facing serious illness. Help us keep going.